jmancubsfan(Yellow X marks are the typical setup of the opponent. Yay for creativity!)

I'm considering experimenting with this formation this spring in an adult league where most other teams all play something similar to a 3-5-2 with the center back acting as a sweeper. Our Libero would charge forward when we win possession allowing for a central distributor for all of the targets to make runs for. I would coach him to never get ahead of the ball by making runs for others (unless it's a sure chance) and always play it forward if he gets into trouble so that he's sure to beat the ball back to our end. (As you'll read when I talk about defense he'll still be covered by the two center backs as they won't move forward much at all in attack.) The wing backs would create the width and offer crosses. This also lets me keep their role simple and would allow me to just stick fast players out there if they can serve a decent cross. When playing through the middle, the striker would make diagonal runs to draw out the sweeper, leaving the middle open for everyone else. The left and right center mids comprised of speedy, fit, all-round players, would join late to take advantage of any gaps created by the front three. The LAM and RAM could play in front and inside of the left and right center backs as shown, but more than likely, I will deploy a left and right wing instead to beat those defenders to the corner in order to pull out the stronger sweeper.

In defense, the libero will retreat to a normal sweeper position but the left and right center backs will essentially step up in front of him simultaneously to pressure the attack as though they were defensive mids. All the while, the wing backs need to stay ahead of the last of those central three so that our offside line is NOT set by an outside defender. By telling the center defenders they are left and right center backs and telling the libero to sweep, the center backs and Libero will switch places in attack and defense. I'll use a speedy all-around player as the libero and deploy strong-tackling (likely slower) center backs to challenge their play-maker.

I need some serious feedback. How would this do against the formation shown or other sweeper systems such as 3-6-1 or 5-4-1?

03.11.2009

nvrI appreciate the element of surprise you are trying to achieve with an extra man joining from behind. But I don't unterstand why it has to be a libero.

If you feel that your team is weak in defending, maybe you can look strengthening your midfield as a first line of defence rather than increasing numbers at the back. With what you have here, you will be outnumbered in midfield and give the initiative to opponent.

04.11.2009

jmancubsfanIn a league like mine where talent is quite varied, it's difficult to find a talented sweeper who isn't also useful on the offensive end. This gives me the chance to convince this person to be our last defender without him getting bored or frustrated if the offense isn't producing.

Our problem last season was that we had a solid back four without much cover in front of it. And I realize, your natural reaction would be to say we need better defensive mids but it really is nearly impossible to get these players stay in front of the defense without getting too involved in the attack. This created the problem of giving their play-maker(s) free range to wait for the perfect opening for the right pass to create a chance. What this will do is give the other four defenders that would have been waiting around and marking forwards in defense, the chance to step up and pressure the play-maker while being covered by the libero and the other defenders. But it also allows my speedy, fit libero a chance to have fun by racing forward to get involved in the attack.

The bottom line is that if you say I should strengthen my midfield, I say to you, what if everyone but the striker and libero play the roles of midfielders? Does that sound strong enough? hahaha

:)

04.11.2009

jmancubsfanI understand your explanation of midfielders as first line of defense my guys just lack that knowledge and discipline. They make runs to create chances and the ball is going the other way before they can behind it again. This gives me one more back in defense than a flat four was giving me. It seems the only way to get players in my league behind the ball is to tell them they're defenders.

04.11.2009

RicardoI'd personally go for 4-3-2-1 Xmas tree. Our team needs dedicated defenders and a strong midfield and I think this would be a better approach. It's also easier to explain and play. Very clear what everyone's job is.

Very simillar to the setup you post but in my experience the Libero player just never seems to "get" it and ends up being lost, standing in the wrong place a lot of the time!

With 3 mids dedicated to holding/spoiling, often the defenders can just have a ciggy break at the edge of the box :)

04.11.2009

nvr@jman
What formation do your guys end up playing when you tell them go and do whatever they want?

Maybe you can try to improve that instead of imposing another formation.

05.11.2009